Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, recently donated a new Special Edition Matte Silver Viking VI Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicle to the SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation.

The Assembled in USA Viking VI was auctioned at a Foundation fundraiser near San Diego, raising $22,000 for the organization’s mission of supporting SEAL members’ families.

The SEAL-Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Family Foundation is a San Diego based 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funds for special programs in direct support of the NSW families on a local, national and global scale.

Details about the organization and fundraiser can be found at supportourwarriors.org.

“Yamaha Motor USA is proud to support the SEAL-NSW Family Foundation and its important mission for a second year,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group marketing manager. “The funds raised by the Viking donation go directly to a very worthy cause, and we hope that the event and support from all the donors helps raise awareness for this valuable organization.”

The new Special Edition Viking VI comes in Matte Silver paint with aluminum wheels, a soft sun top, mud flaps, overfenders, under seat storage and a bed rail accessory mount. MSRP is $14,999.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS) a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States. Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia.

For more information on Yamaha, visit yamahamotorsports.com.

Can-Am X-Team ATV and side-by-side vehicle racers swept both the 4×4 Pro and UTV XC1 Pro class podiums at the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) race held in Union, S.C. Can-Am also scored two podium finishes this past weekend in the Lucas Oil Regional Racing Series in Arizona.

“Defending national champions Bryan Buckhannon, on the Renegade, and Maverick 1000R racer Kyle Chaney, did not disappoint in South Carolina, earning significant victories in their chase to repeat,” said Jeff Leclerc, Racing Project Leader, Can-Am. “Buckhannon regained the class points lead and Chaney is now second overall to Can-Am Maverick pilot Treavis Poynter in the UTV XC1 Pro class standings. In fact, Can-Am racers own the points lead in several classes with four rounds in the books, so we’re off to a good start in 2015.”

Chaney, 2014 GNCC UTV XC1 Pro class champion, notched his first victory of 2015, after posting three wins last year. Chaney was joined on the box by Can-Am Maverick / Offroad Motorsports racer Treavis Poynter and Can-Am / JB Racing / Houser Racing pilot Larry Hendershot, Jr. The three Ohio-based racers battled in the top three positions all afternoon at Big Buck, with Poynter leading all but the final lap. On a narrow course, heavily crowded with lappers, Chaney found his way around Poynter on the final lap to earn his first win.

“The Big Buck track was very hard to pass on. We did not get a real good holeshot, but by the end of the first lap I had worked up to second overall behind Treavis Poynter,” said Chaney. “I knew if I stayed steady and did not make any mistakes in the first few laps we could finish strong. Coming into the last lap we were down by 6 seconds. We both hit lappers on the last lap and I knew it was going to be a very close finish. We won by just under 2 seconds. Way to go Can-Am for a UTV Pro class podium sweep.”

Poynter ended up second, but, when paired with his first-place finish at round one of the UTV series, he currently owns a 13-point lead going into the next round. Hendershot’s first podium of 2015 moved him to fourth in the class standings.

Can-Am Maverick 1000R racers also own the UTV XC2 Pro Sport class points lead after the VP Racing Fuels Big Buck GNCC event. Can-Am / Jack’s Excavating driver Joe Krcelich finished fourth, but won round one and currently has a four-point cushion over Maverick racer Dave Plavi, who earned a third-place finish in South Carolina. Rich Travalena Jr., competing in the Amateur Limited class for Can-Am, notched his first victory and second podium of the year to climb to within one point of the class leader.

In 4×4 ATV action, Buckhannon convinced all competitors that he is out to replicate last year’s impressive title run, with a stellar wire-to-wire victory aboard his Can-Am Renegade 800R X xc.
Two other Renegade racers in Jordan Phillips and Zac Zakowski earned their first podiums of the season, finishing second and third, respectively, to complete the Big Buck podium sweep. Buckhannon has a nine-point lead heading into round five.

“My Can-Am Renegade pulled hard the entire race,” said Buckhannon. “The track was perfect and let the riders ride. At the end of the day, I am thrilled to come away with first place and the 4×4 Pro class points lead.”

Can-Am 4×4 racers also notched two other class wins and six total podium finishes. Forrest Whorton won the 4×4 Senior (40+) class, while Matthew Ewart took the 4×4 C class victory.

The all-new Yamaha Wolverine R-Spec Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicle production is in full swing this month at Yamaha’s U.S. factory in Newnan, Georgia. Yamaha dealers are receiving units this month – just in time for spring hunting and summer off-roading seasons.

The all-new Wolverine R-Spec sets a new standard in off-road capability and class-leading comfort. It is designed and engineered for exploring extreme terrain and features an all-new nimble chassis with a compact design, look and feel. The Wolverine’s comfortable and secure cab has seating for two, and its injection-molded composite fixed-position cargo bed is both lightweight and durable for long, rough rides.

“The Wolverine R-Spec is made for hunters, explorers and off-road adventure seekers,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group marketing manager. “This is a hard core off-roading, expedition worthy machine. The Wolverine’s class-leading handling and off-road capabilities will set a new standard in the SxS world. We can’t wait until people are able to get some seat time in this all-new Yamaha Side-by-Side.”

The Wolverine R-Spec features Yamaha core technologies including Ultramatic fully-automatic transmission, On-Command four-wheel drive system and Electric Power Steering. The new Wolverine R-Spec also features the most adjustable suspension in its class with ultra-long-stroke KYB nitrogen gas charged piggyback shocks.

Standard Wolverine R-Spec models feature a hard sun top and come in Steel Blue and Hunter Green. The new camo Wolverine R-Spec is the first ever SxS to feature Realtree Xtra Camo. MSPR for non-EPS models starts at $12,199 and for EPS models starts at $13,199.

Every Yamaha Wolverine R-Spec is assembled in the USA at Yamaha’s factory in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution.

Details at YamahaWolverine.com.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS) a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States. Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia.

For more information on Yamaha, visit yamahamotorsports.com.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) awarded Senator John Thune (R-SD) the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence at an event hosted by NAM member Polaris Industries in Vermillion, South Dakota.

“We are lucky to have Senator John Thune in our corner, advocating policies that will allow us to grow, create jobs and compete globally.” said Paul Vitrano, Polaris VP, Global Government Relations, at Polaris Industries.

“I’m honored to receive this award on behalf of all the hard-working manufacturers in South Dakota and throughout the country who help create jobs and strengthen the U.S. economy,” said Thune. “While manufacturers are at the forefront of economic growth in America, I think they could be even more competitive if Congress passed pro-growth, comprehensive tax reform. Congress could also take steps to open new markets to U.S. products by enacting bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority. I look forward to working on these issues, and more, during the 114th Congress.”

“Manufacturing in South Dakota and across the country is making a comeback,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Manufacturers are growing the economy and creating high-paying jobs in a sector that adds $1.32 to the economy for every $1 spent. Senator Thune understands that leaders in Washington must advance policies that will continue to fuel this economic growth and has consistently supported manufacturers through his votes in Congress.”

Key Votes included in the Voting Record are selected by small, medium and large manufacturing executives who serve on the NAM’s Key Vote Advisory Committee.

Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2013 sales of $3.8 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all- terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles. Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian Motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, Aixam Mega S.A.S., and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris Engineered parts, accessories and apparel, Klim branded apparel, and ORV accessories under the Kolpin and Cycle Country brands. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel, and vehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, the leading maker of ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles for outdoorsmen and women, is supporting the National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) again in 2015, and this year is giving away the all-new Yamaha Wolverine R-Spec in Hunter Green through an online sweepstakes at: yamahaoutdoors.com/nhfday.

This is the eighth year Yamaha is sponsoring NHF Day and is proud to continue to support the event and overall effort by giving away a prize that sets a new standard in off-road capability, has class-leading comfort and is assembled right here in the USA.

The sweepstakes will be promoted online and at NHF Day events nationwide. Outdoorsmen and women, 18 years-of-age or older, can enter to win by simply registering online through the end of October 2015.

“Our team at Yamaha looks forward to this sweepstakes every year to help show our support for outdoorsmen and women across the country,” said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group. “Yamaha is committed to conservation efforts for outdoor recreational enthusiasts, and partnering with organizations such as NHF Day is an important part of that work.”

Scheduled annually on the fourth Saturday of September, this year the celebration of hunting, fishing and conservation is set for September 26th. NHF Day serves as the most effective grassroots effort ever taken to promote outdoor sports and conservation.

Yamaha, through its relationships with organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, Buckmasters, Tread Lightly!, National Wild Turkey Federation and NHFD, among others, is a continued supporter of conservation efforts for outdoor recreational enthusiasts.

“Yamaha has been an important supporter of NHF Day for nearly a decade,” said Misty Mitchell, director of conservation programs for Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo. – the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. “NHF Day participants are in for a real treat this year with the all-new Wolverine R-Spec, and I’m sure we’ll have a tremendous turnout for the online sweepstakes and at our events in September.”

One lucky entrant, 18 years-of-age or older, will win a 2016 Yamaha Wolverine R-Spec in Hunter Green that is assembled in the U.S.A. Total approximate retail value is $12,199. No purchase necessary. The sweepstakes ends at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on October 31, 2015. The winner will be determined by random drawing.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS) a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States. Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia.

For more information on Yamaha, visit yamahamotorsports.com.

S3 Power Sports’ Dustin Jones and Shane Dowden win, on their first attempt, one of the toughest races in North America, the legendary Mint 400, on BRP’s Can-Am Maverick MAX X ds Turbo side-by-side vehicle.

The S3 Power Sports team traveled from Louisiana to Las Vegas, NV last weekend to compete in the 2015 Best In the Desert Mint 400 with very little experience racing in the desert. With nearly 50 side- by-side pro class entries, S3 Power Sports overcame the odds to win one of the most prestigious and historic desert races in North America on its Can-Am Maverick MAX X ds Turbo.

“It feels amazing to get the win at the Mint 400! The Maverick MAX X ds Turbo had the reliability handling and the power to conquer over 480 kilometres (300 mi) of harsh desert terrain. It was an absolutely brutal course with big rocks and big whoops, and we couldn’t be happier with how the Maverick MAX X ds Turbo performed,” explained Jones.

The Can-Am Maverick Turbo X ds Turbo model features the first factory-installed turbo that delivers 121 hp, giving it the clear power advantage with 40% more torque than its closest competitor.

“The Can-Am Maverick X ds Turbo is gaining strong momentum with consumers and is clearly the new benchmark in the side-by-side market. S3 Power Sports’ Dustin Jones and Shane Dowden proved it by winning the challenging Mint 400,” said Philippe Normand, director, Global Marketing, Can-Am off-road. “We are excited to see the Maverick X ds on top of the podium and we are looking forward to many podium finishes in the near future.”

Can-Am racers were also able to sweep the GNCC Pro 4×4 ATV podium at GNCC Round 2 in Washington, GA last weekend, with Renegade racers Bryan Buckhannon, Robert Smith and Rick Cecco. In addition, Can-Am X-Team Maverick X xc racer Treavis Poynter won the first side-by-side race of the season in the premier GNCC XC1 Pro UTV – Class.